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Science Vs

Science Vs is a science podcast created and hosted by Wendy Zukerman[1]. The show takes a myth-busting approach to controversial topics and current events, with fact checking and research of the scientific literature, as well as interviewing relevant experts. A typical show will have over a hundred citations and involve background interviews of dozens of scientists in addition to the scientists who speak on the show.[2][3][4][5]

History

The show was first produced and distributed in 2015 by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) as part of ABC Radio's First Run podcast program.[6][7] Science Vs was picked up by Gimlet Media, a Brooklyn-based digital media company.[8][9] Originally, Zukerman had to do all the research herself, but under Gimlet she was able to hire a dedicated research team. Episode topics have included immigration, gun control, ghosts, climate change, acne, and antidepressants, among others.[7][10][11] Zukerman has said that the idea for Science Vs came from news headlines about Gwyneth Paltrow wanting women to participate in a "health practice" of vaginal steaming, which she thought could combine science with humor.[12] Zukerman summarized her podcast's position against false equivalences, saying, "If there's a 95 percent consensus among scientists, you report the consensus."[10]

In 2019 the show, along with other Gimlet Podcasts, was acquired by Spotify.[13]

In February 2022 Zukerman announced that in response to COVID-19 misinformation spread by The Joe Rogan Experience, another Spotify podcast, Science Vs would suspend regular programming and air only shows that fact-check other Spotify podcasts. Zukerman called the platform's support of Rogan's COVID-19 misinformation "a slap in the face" in an email to Spotify CEO Daniel Ek.[14][15] The February 25, 2022 episode of the podcast was devoted to refuting claims about the COVID-19 vaccine made on an episode of Rogan's podcast by virologist Robert Malone.[16]

Reception

The show was a 2020 nominee for a Podcast Award,[17] and the host Wendy Zukerman is a nominee for a 2021 Podcast Academy "Ambie" Best Host Award.[18]

It was Spotify's #1 Science podcast in the US and #20 overall.[19]

See also

References

  1. ^ "'Science Vs' and the art of using humor to bust myths". Poynter. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
  2. ^ "Science Vs". Gimlet Media. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  3. ^ Rios, Orlando (2017-05-02). "Podcaster Profile: Wendy Zukerman of Science Vs - Podcasting Pro". Podcasting Pro. Retrieved 2018-04-12.
  4. ^ "15 of the best science podcasts that will make you smarter". Business Insider. Retrieved 2018-04-14.
  5. ^ Racioppi, Frank (May 23, 2019). "Q&A with Wendy Zukerman from Science Vs". Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  6. ^ "ABC to lose popular Science Vs podcast as format and presenter snapped up by US outfit - Mumbrella". Mumbrella. 2015-10-26. Retrieved 2018-04-12.
  7. ^ a b "Podcast pick of the week: 'Science Vs'". USA TODAY. 20 September 2016. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  8. ^ "Wendy Zukerman, Science Vs Interview". The Weekend Edition, What's on in Brisbane. Retrieved 2018-04-12.
  9. ^ "Wendy Zukerman Goes Head to Head With Fracking, Gun Control, and...the G-Spot". ELLE. 2016-07-29. Retrieved 2018-04-12.
  10. ^ a b Pesca, Mike (2017-03-20). "Cold, Hard Facts With Wendy Zukerman". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339. Retrieved 2018-04-14.
  11. ^ Eckwahl, Matthew (29 December 2017). "Opinion: 11 Best Science Podcasts". The Scientist. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  12. ^ "Working with Sound: Wendy Zukerman". The Wheeler Centre. Audiocraft. 2017-04-03. Retrieved 2018-04-14.
  13. ^ "Spotify Announces Strategic Acquisitions to Accelerate Growth in Podcasting". Spotify Investors. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  14. ^ Kieran, Gair. "Spotify's support for Joe Rogan a 'slap in the face', say Science Vs podcasters". The Times. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
  15. ^ Chmielewski, Dawn. "Science podcaster calls Spotify's support of Joe Rogan a 'slap in the face'". Reuters. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  16. ^ "Joe Rogan: The Malone Interview". Spotify.com. Spotify. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  17. ^ "Podcast Award". Podcast Award.
  18. ^ Spangler, Todd (March 4, 2021). "Podcast Academy Unveils 164 Nominees for Inaugural Ambies Awards (Full List)". Variety. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  19. ^ "Science Vs". Chartable. Retrieved May 11, 2021.

External links